I recently wrote about the process and excitement of welcoming the arrival of a new snowmobile in the SledMagazine.com article “No better feeling”
Now that our SledMagazine.com Polaris has arrived, here are a few observations from the first few evenings of special alone time with my 2013 ride. I had the opportunity to see and ride the 2013 ProR models during Snow Shoot, but you notice much more when it’s just the two of you in your own garage.
General Mechanical
I was pleased to see how substantial the components of the Polaris appear to be. The structural components, fasteners, hardware, connectors, clamps, wiring, terminals, hoses and bushings appear to be of higher quality and strength than what might be the minimum standard, limited lifespan, barely capable or least expensive available. During these times of penny pinching production, it was comforting to note these quality features and it gave me confidence in my expectation of durability and reliability.
General Engineering
I found the routing and layout of major system components to be well thought out, logical and serviceable, leaving what seemed to be above average accessibility within the engine compartment. Easy access to oil/coolant fillers, chain case fill/drain plugs and speedo bearing grease zerk are very welcomed features. I’m a creature of habit and as I looked around, I put dielectric grease in and on all wiring connections. I don’t know if this totally prevents water intrusion, but I’ve always done it never had a moisture/corrosion type of problem.
Fit and Finish
I found the fit and finish to be very pleasing to the eye with uniform spacing and alignment of Retro graphics and body panels. As I practiced the efficient removal and reinstallation of the side panels, I noted the tab/slot tolerances to be on the tight side. Despite this observation, the side panels were easily installed with a moderate level of confident and deliberate force. It will be interesting to experience the effort required when the materials (and your hands) have reduced flexibility in the sub zero temperatures of the Northeast. I may choose to slightly relax a few of these tolerances in anticipation of less flexible conditions.
The hood assembly including windshield, gauges and headlight comes of easily and in one piece by releasing 2 hex bolts, 2 push pins and one wiring connection, giving total exposure to the engine bay compartment and all components. Hey, that’s nice!
Suspension / Track
As I was at March’s Snow Shoot event, I am particularly impressed with the size of both the adjustment knobs and shafts on the ProR’s premium Walker Evans® shock package. The Walker Evans® shocks are celebrated as being among the best in the industry and I can’t wait to put them to my test. Accessibility for quick and easy adjustment of suspension calibration appears to be exceptional and the adjustment collar for rear spring preload is wide with a grip design that should prove helpful for “glove on” adjustments.
The front shock springs require a spanner wrench to make preload adjustments. This tool is not provided, but should be. I applied a clean lubricant to spring preload threads for greater ease of on trail adjustment.
More grease zerks would be nice, but that feature appears to be a thing of the past on all sleds.
The 1.352” Cobra track will be the deepest paddle I have experienced on the trail and it looks like it will offer impressive performance in outside the trail adventures. Installation of a moderate level of Woodys® 1.45” studding to come.
Comfort / Features
The (standard on the LE model) Rox tool less adjustable height handlebar riser (PN 2878740) is simple in design, offering easy personalization of rider position. I look forward to judging if this is a worthy $200 option or if it will be a “set it and forget it” frill. Check our mid season report in February to read our final Rox riser recommendation. Handlebars are wide, ergonomically contoured and found to be comfortable during my garage maneuvers and vroom vroom sounds .
The gauge package is easily visible and truly multi function with multiple trip odometers, engine temperature, fuel type selection and a cool 3 minute RPM/speed replay function.
Of worthy highlight is a headlight that can be easily dial adjusted with glove on from the riding position as you’re riding. How cool is that?
Running boards are spacious, foot holds are adequate and the seat is firm yet soft, wide yet comfortable. I can’t wait to sit on this Switchback ProR all day long.
The optional rear aluminum rack (PN 2878721 standard on Adventure and LE models) is substantial and of visible high quality. I can’t wait to use it to its full potential with available lock and ride rear rack (PN 2878731 shown) and side bag (PN 2878720) accessories.
Accessories
Accessories arrived well packaged with all listed pieces parts and instructions that were clear and easy to follow. It was obvious that the accessories were a coordinated effort between engineering and manufacturing as they were well thought out and pre planned for ease of install. That’s really nice.
One such accessory was the Pro R heat exchanger guard (PN 2878119). This easily installed option effectively addresses any concerns regarding the front mounted radiator design being vulnerable to off trail damage. After looking more closely at the radiators mounting location and how far back the actual cooling tubes are it seems quite well protected, but I’ll take the added protection offered by this good looking guard.
The under hood storage accessory (PN 2878735)installed as described and offers additional space for some of my least accessed supplies.
Next up the Pro Ride defrost bag (PN 2879090) which relocates the gauge / key switch and offers additional engine warmed storage. Look for comments on this feature and the Lock and Ride luggage accessories in the near future.
I am enjoying all the excitement of a positive and more detailed introduction to this premium Polaris snowmobile. I look forward to the miles and experiences to come and invite you to follow our long term trial of the 2013 Polaris 800 Switchback ProR LE on SledMagazine.com throughout the coming season.
